Reporting back from my April trip to Massingham Heath
Oil and Tiger Beetles
In late April I had the opportunity to travel to Norfolk for a second residency at Massingham Heath.This project has been especially helpful to me as a new SWLA member as it has given me the opportunity to meet so many of the other artists.
The Heath in April was very different from August. The wildflowers were just starting to emerge, and birds were nesting, or passing through on their migrations north.
I was fortunate on the first day to have naturalist Nick Acheson take me to find these lovely oil beetles in the top picture, and there I stayed for the next 3 days. The tiger beetles were a much more challenging subject being fast moving predators. This mating pair stayed still for a while, though remained apparently ferocious and furious throughout!
I have written more on my projects page about the heath here. The work from the residency will once again be showcased at the annual exhibition in the Mall Galleries, when the book of the project, with text by Nick Acheson, will be launched. You can see more information at the links below:
Massingham on Radio 4
During the April Residency Martha Kearny from Radio 4 visited the heath to record an episode of Open Country, which gives a great flavour of the heath and the project. This will be available on BBC sounds for a year
There is also an article by Johnnie Fokker, SWLA Secretary recently published on the Countryside Jobs website:
The Creative Peninsula 2026
Now in its 25th year, and with some exciting new collaborations, this thriving annual event features exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations and the annual outdoor Twilight Craft Market, all taking place in the picturesque Borough of Ards and North Down.
I will be delivering a paper bird workshop on 4th and taking part in the Twilight Market on 7th August. The festival program will be launched on 25 June, when website will also go live for workshop booking and the full list of events.
Workshop – Tuesday 4th August 11am – 1 pm
Twilight Market – Friday 7th August 3 – 8pm
North Down Craft Collective Summer Festival at Castle Espie
Join us for the North Down Craft Collective Summer Festival, a vibrant two-day celebration of creativity taking place on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th August 2026 at WWT Castle Espie.
Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August, 10am – 4pm
Workshop Sunday 16th 10am – 12.30pm
The festival will showcase the work of more than 30 talented artists and makers from the collective. Visitors will have the opportunity to browse and purchase unique handmade work, as well as take part in a range of hands-on craft workshops, which can be booked in advance through our website
Dragonfly Festival at Castle Espie
As part of Castle Espie’s Dragonfly Festival, Boom Studios will be providing craft activities throughout the summer.
I will be there on 22 August. Drop in to make a paper dragonfly with some fiendish folds and a bit of glue! Choose your colour and follow along to create your dragonfly. Use some drawing to add your own touches. Dragonfly reference on hand for inspiration.
Saturday 22 August 10am – 2pm